Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Burundi Safari

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Burundi Safari

If you’re planning a trip to Rwanda to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, why not extend your adventure by combining it with a safari in Burundi? In this article, we’ll explain how this exciting combination is possible and how Excursia Adventures can help you plan and book the perfect trip that includes both gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a safari in Burundi.

Why Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Rwanda. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to a number of habituated gorilla groups, allowing you to get up close with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

What Makes Burundi Special for a Safari?

Burundi, a landlocked country bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers stunning landscapes and unique safari opportunities. Its dramatic scenery is especially noticeable along the western and eastern borders. From Mount Heha, the country’s highest point at 9,055 feet, to its tranquil lakes and lush forests, Burundi provides a rich environment for wildlife enthusiasts. The Bujumbura Rural province is known for its natural beauty and offers an authentic African safari experience.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Burundi Safari

There are multiple ways to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Burundi. You can start your trip by visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking and then fly to Burundi for a safari. Alternatively, you can do the reverse, starting in Burundi and flying to Rwanda afterward. Flights between Rwanda and Burundi are available through several airlines, including Kenya Airways, Rwandair, and Airlink, making it easy to travel between these two destinations.

Can I Drive from Rwanda to Burundi and Vice Versa?

Yes, it is possible to drive between Rwanda and Burundi. The most popular route from Rwanda is southward, where you’ll cross into Burundi. The drive offers scenic views of the lush landscape and gives you a chance to enjoy the local culture along the way. Excursia Adventures can help advise you on the best route and ensure you have a smooth journey throughout your road trip.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of the country. This park is famous for its montane vegetation, bamboo forests, and open grasslands, which provide an ideal habitat for the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is conducted once a day, with a maximum of eight visitors per gorilla group. Visitors are expected to arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices at 7 am for a briefing on safety guidelines and the dos and don’ts of trekking. Afterward, visitors are divided into groups and assigned to a specific gorilla family.

The trek can last anywhere from a few minutes to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them, following the guidelines provided to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit in Rwanda

To go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, securing your gorilla permit in advance is essential. Excursia Adventures can assist you in booking your permit through the Rwanda Development Board to confirm your place in a gorilla trekking group on your chosen date. After confirming your travel dates, simply email us to check availability. If permits are available for your selected dates, we’ll provide you with an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we’ll finalize your booking and send you a scanned copy of the permit for your records.

Start planning your amazing adventure by combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a safari in Burundi. Contact Excursia Adventures today to create a trip you’ll never forget!

How Much is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda goes beyond the price of a gorilla permit, as it also includes additional services such as transport, accommodation, and guiding. Here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• USD 1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents (per person, per trek)
• USD 500 for Foreign Residents (per person, per trek)
• USD 200 for East African Citizens (per person, per trek)

Your gorilla permit gives you access to one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. However, the total cost of your gorilla trekking safari will also include the cost of transport, accommodation, and guiding services.

For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour, which includes all services, starts at USD 2,375 per person (sharing, in a group of 2). Feel free to contact us for more details and to book your safari in Rwanda.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which occur from June to October and December to March. During these months, rainfall is mild, making the treks easier and the trails more accessible. The vegetation is also less dense, offering clearer views of the mountain gorillas, perfect for photography.

However, April, May, and November are considered the wet season, with higher vegetation that can obscure sightings. Despite this, treks tend to be shorter during these months, as the mountain gorillas stay closer to the forest due to an abundance of food.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, with a 99% chance of encountering the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

Accommodation around Volcanoes National Park caters to all budgets, from basic to luxurious options. Here are some of the top choices:

Luxury Lodges (USD 300 – USD 1,000 per person, per night):

• Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Hotel
• Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge

Mid-Range Lodges:

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
• Davinci Lodge

Budget Accommodation:

• Kinigi Hotel
• Hotel Muhabura
• Gorilla Solution Lodge
• Villa Gorilla
• Virunga Hotel
• Faraji Hotel
• La Palme Hotel or Home Inn

All lodges are equipped with health and safety protocols, in line with the Rwanda Health Ministry and WHO recommendations, ensuring a safe stay for all visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible by road from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The 2-3 hour drive takes you through the stunning scenery of Rwanda’s 1000 hills, offering opportunities to stop for photos and sightseeing along the way. Your driver-guide will meet you at your designated hotel for a briefing before heading to the park.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we organizes exceptional gorilla trekking experiences in both Rwanda and Burundi. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and offer a range of eco-friendly safaris, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Our tours help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and support local communities.

We also offer safaris to other iconic African destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Contact us to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or to combine it with a safari in Burundi for the ultimate African adventure.